William Ray Riggs

William Ray (Billy Ray) Riggs was born October 8,1934 in Evansville, IN. He was the son of Clarence and Elizabeth Myrliene Riggs. He attended Bosse high school where he was twice president of his class, played basketball and the big drum in the marching band. It was also at Bosse that Bill met his future wife, Gloria Aurelena Hale.

Bill was recruited to take the Harvard admission test although he had already pledged a fraternity at Indiana University. The test was to be given at Central High School at the same time as the basketball sectional finals. Bill would not have taken the test if Bosse had not been defeated. The rest is history. Bill attended Harvard University, played basketball for them, and was admitted to Harvard Law School.

Due to the possibility of being drafted, Bill chose to go to Navy OCS in January of 1957. He then spent 4 years on the USS Hunt, a naval destroyer. During leave, he dated Gloria for the first time. That summer he proposed marriage as the two decided they were in love although they had spent little time alone together. (They doubled dated more than they dated.) December 29, 1957, Bill and Gloria were married and moved to Boston, MA; then Newport, RI where their daughter, Cynthia Gay was born. Bill was sent to the sea when she was a week old.

After much soul searching upon his return, Bill decided to forgo Harvard Law School and attended Indiana University Law School on a scholarship. Bill was Editor of the Law Journal. Their second daughter, Shari Eizabeth, was born in Bill’s senior year.

In 1963, after graduating law school as class valedictorian, Bill joined Ice Miller as the 26th man in the firm. Bill specialized in labor relations and public sector collective bargaining. He also served on the Board of Directors of American United Life Insurance, was a member on the Board of Visitors and the Board of Directors of Community Leaders Allied for Superior Schools at Indiana University, served on the Indiana Sports Council and Chairman of the Board at Merdian Street United Methodist Church. He was awarded the State of Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash two times – Evan Bayn 1990 and Joseph Kernan in 2004.

Bill retired as a partner of Ice Miller in 2004. He continued to work as an attorney for Ivy Tech Community College and Westminster Retirement Services. He enjoyed his days reading and watching IU sports with Gloria. He loved spending time with his family and having everyone together whenever possible.

Grandad was the heart of our family. A steady presence, he was always willing to lend a hand and provide wisdom. He believed deeply in the importance of family, tradition, and supporting those closest to him. He loved to share stories over a drink and make those around him feel valued and safe. His kindness and strength shaped generations and will be honored through his rich family legacy.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved William Ray Riggs, who left this world surrounded by love. He was a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life was caring for those he loved.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Myrliene, and sister Elizabeth Riggs Holt (Walter). He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 68 years, brother Randall Riggs (Ann) and family, daughters Cynthia Roshon and Shari Gooley, grandchildren Allison Thomas (Douglas), Lindsey Roshon (Emily), Thomas Gooley (Geneiveve), Greer Cortes (Jose), Macy Bishop (Drew), and Hannah Roshon, and great-grandchildren: Isabella, Sofia, Mia and Lucia Cortes, Colette, Margot, and Lawson Gooley, Penelope Bishop, and Edward and Campbell Thomas. Bill had a large family with many nieces and nephews with whom he was close.

Our family would like to thank the wonderful nurses at Paradigm Hospice as well as all the family and friends who called and visited to check on us during this difficult time. Visitation will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church,100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN with service at 2:00 p.m.

Donations in Bill’s honor may be sent to Stroke Life Center or the charity of your choice.

Stroke Life Center

2200 Jefferson Ave., 4-A OMOM Wing, Toledo, OH 43604